"My pleasure. Now to figure out a way to thank you in response again..."

'You don't have to,' Erika said, smiling.

"Don't matter. Doesn't mean I don't wanna, does it?"

'You're thanking me by letting me borrow your book,' Erika said, a slight grin on her face.

"Oh really?" He chuckled. "Well then, I guess I won't have to find a kitchen to try to cook something at least."

Erika laughed. 'What's your cooking like?'

"Uh, to be honest I don't know. It's good enough for me to eat it, but I dunno if it's really good otherwise."

'Depends,' Erika said. 'Everyone has their own taste.'

"True. What do you usually like to eat? Maybe I'll have to make something for you anyway for fun."

Erika smiled softly. It was a sweet offer. 'Anything, really. I'm not picky. I am a bit partial to soups, though.'

"Soups are one of the things others actually agree I'm good at making, so that sounds good to me." He chuckled, smiling. "Just tell me when you want it, okay?"

'When it's convenient for you,' Erika said, her smile widening a little. 'My schedule's pretty open.'

"Eh, it's always convenient for me probably," Joe laughed. "Everyone always yells at me 'cause I tend to try to take on everyone else's work half the time at the work-site anyway."

Erika laughed gently. 'Then take a break some time,' she said.

"I should," He responded simply. "But I enjoy working too much."

'Well, you might as well take a break when the dig season's over, right?' Erika said.

"I should, but I usually don't."

'And why not?' Erika asked.

"I enjoy working too much," He was blunt and immediately laughed at how odd it likely sounded.

Erika laughed. 'You can't work 24/7, though.'

"I wish I could sometimes, though." He laughed, thinking to himself. "We're supposed to all take off the day after tomorrow actually. I forget why, but everyone said it's basically required. I was gonna just do some research in my tent, but maybe I could coax you into having a bite to eat with me to keep me from working?"

Erika grinned. 'I think I could do that. I promise you won't get any work done.'

He chuckled, nodding. "Alright then. Where shall I meet you?"

Erika thought for a bit. 'There's a diner my family used to eat at when I was a kid. I haven't been there in years. It's family owned, and it's got pretty good food.'

"Can you tell me where it is? Then I'll be able to meet you there."